We are certified Stubben Custom fitters. We know how challenging it can be to fit both horse and rider. We can help. Call us for consultation. Trial any of our saddles. Email us questions, photos, or to make an appointment. Within range, we will come to your barn, or we can connect you will an independent saddle fitter.

With all the innovations to saddles, it has become more specific to fit both horse and rider. And often this process involves more trial and error. Therefore we offer a saddle trial policy. All our new and used saddles are available to ride in. Because no matter how great you hear a saddle works for your friend, it may not work for you and you won't know until you have ridden in it.

Saddles need to be adjusted every six months no matter what the material. Wools wears and horse's muscling changes. Horses change depending on maturity, type of work, and fitness level. Keep an eye on how your saddle responds to those changes. It will also inform your training. Uneven balance will inhibit muscle development and cause back pain. We work with several saddlefitters. Be sure to keep your wool flocked to your horse.

A year ago, I tried in the Bates Next Generation Deep Seat Jump saddle. After only twenty minutes and a few verticals, the change in my horse and myself was surprising. I did not even realize how tight my horse was on landing until he relaxed under the CAIR system of this saddle. As soon as he relaxed, I too was a quieter and a more secure rider. It was obvious that the tension eased as a result of the air panels on his back. I found that the air provided some absorption for the rider as well, much the way the springs in the front frame of a mountain bike ease the tension on the shoulder by taking up shock. The CAIR panels assist the seat in reducing impact on the rider body as well. Ease of rider movement and freedom for the horse made it an easy decision to switch both my competition horses to saddles with the CAIR System for jumping and for dressage.

Impressed by Isabell Werth's commitment to the Wintec saddles, I decided there was benefits to riding my own horses in the lightweight synthetic saddle. Weather in Vermont is temperamental and my schedule means I ride when I can so synthetic was an easy care choice for bad weather and poor tack cleaning routine. I was happy to have such a light saddle to carry down to indoor in the winter and my horse's responded well: shoulders opened, backs swung, strides adjusted quickly to my seat aid. Why spend more when my performance would not be less. And if the multi-medalled Isabell can ride at the World Equestrian Games in a Wintec, I think I can ride at my local dressage shows and horse trials in one. It's about the training and the performance is my gauge.

"I only ride in saddles with CAIR, as my horses have demonstrated to me the immense performance benefits it offers them. Knowing my horses are 100% comfortable enables us to realize our full potential." -Isabell Werth

Bates and Wintec saddles offer a range of options for the precise fit: CAIR panels that conform to the shape of your horse, Shims to further tailor fit, a gullet system to adjust the head plate and affect the tree points, and a girth point system. The TWENTY MINUTE response: girth up your saddle and allow twenty for the air to conform and balance on your horse.

FITTING A BATES SADDLE

CAIR PANELS

Bates and Wintec saddles have replaces wool flocking with the innovative air panel. The air panels create a fluid cushioning to hug your horse's individual conformation and allow even weight distribution over the length of the panel. The air panel will not shift or wear unevenly nor breakdown over time.

CAIR PANEL INSERT SYSTEM

This system adds a new dimension to saddle fit. Forget the correction pad: Make the correction within the saddle and because shims are inserted between the panel and the tree, the panel remains a smooth surface on the horse's back. Shims come in two widths and are in three sections, thus allowing you to raise parts of the panel or the whole. And the saddle can be easily fitted to accommodate the change in the horse.

GIRTH POINT SYSTEM

Part of of saddle fitting is the position of the billets. For some horses, the girth pressure applied to a billet attached to the tree point can pull a saddle to low on the wither and exert pressure on the shoulder and restric movement. In that scenario, to move the girth to billets more central to the tree can help the balance of the saddle. The new girth points are now easily removable making billet replacement simple and less expensive.

The Wintec and Bates dressage saddles use the adjustable Y-girthing system to suit the barrel of your horse. Girth up and then adjust the billet to fit your horse's shape for a better balanced saddle and more stability.

FLEXI-BLOC SYSTEM

Interior blocks for thigh and knee are removeable and replaceable. Choose the size that is best for you.

THE WIDE OPTION

The Bates and Wintec saddles fit a variety of horses and now with the Bates Wide, the common breeds in Vermont such as Morgan, Halflinger, draft crosses, Lusitano.Bates Wide PDF Document

Our local rider Kylie Lyman competing at her first Advanced Horse Trials at Millbrook. Kylie currently rides in the Bates Innova Dressage Saddle and the Equipe Expression Jump.

GIRTHS

part of your saddle fit is the girth. Contour girths move with the musculature of the horse and don't inhibit muscle development. Double-elastic girths or full elastic girths apply equal pressure to both sides of the saddle.

STUBBEN SADDLES

Why we are excited about Stubben saddles. We are very selective about what new saddles we carry in the shop, but Stubben has a lot to be happy about:

Stubben selects of the finest full grain, vegetable tanned, analine dyed, German cowhide. Full grain for longevity and durability

Trademark Stübben london colored piping is hand sewn between the seat leather and the jockey skirts

The panels are then stuffed with wool flocking. Why wool? It absorbs and wicks away sweat from the horse's back. It also molds and conforms perfectly to the horse's back

Webbing tension establishes seat depth, and works counter actively with the tree to provide "spring" or "elasticity". The webbing closest to the pommel is left long for the attachment of billets

The tree is covered with a composite seating material. We do not use foam. Foam will break down over time and deadens sound, which lessens your ability to communicate with the horse. Our seating material allows for a comfortable ride and excellent horse/rider communication

Panels are hand stitched to the tree. Hand stitching makes for a durable, quality attachment, and allows easy access if any future reflocking is necessary

Gorgeous, quality saddles that last!

How to measure a saddle: We can work with wither tracings to help you fit your saddle.